Sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device

ABSTRACT

A sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device has a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets, which are connected with each other. Each of the thermal-dissipating sheets includes a connecting portion, at least one thermal-dissipating fin and a plurality of sub-thermal-dissipating fins. The connecting portions of the thermal-dissipating sheets are connected with each other. The thermal-dissipating fin is extended outwardly from the connecting portion, and the thickness of the connecting portion is greater than that of the thermal-dissipating fin. The sub-thermal-dissipating fins are extended outwardly from at least one side of the thermal-dissipating fin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to a thermal-dissipating device and, in particular, to a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device.

2. Related Art

Recently, the electronic products usually have high performance, high operating frequencies, high speeds, and more compact sizes. However, the electronic products also generate more heat that may result in their instability. This instability can affect the reliability and lifetime of the electronic product products. Therefore, heat dissipation has become an important issue of electronic products. Thermal-dissipating fins are a common thermal-dissipating device for heat dissipation. The researchers endeavor themselves in enhancing the thermal-dissipating efficiency of the thermal-dissipating fins.

A conventional sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device consists of several connected thermal-dissipating sheets. Each of the thermal-dissipating sheets has a connecting portion and a thermal-dissipating fin extended from one side of the connecting portion. In addition, the thickness of the connecting portion is larger than that of the thermal-dissipating fin, so that there is a space between the thermal-dissipating fins of the thermal-dissipating sheets. When the connecting portion of the sheet-combined device is in touch with a heat source, the heat is transferred to the thermal-dissipating fins, and the air conduction then removes the heat thereon.

Since the sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device relies upon air conduction and convection to remove heat, it is better for the thermal-dissipating fins to have a large area in contact with air. However, the contact area is restricted by the internal space of the electronic product. Therefore, it is difficult to increase the thermal-dissipating effect. This is particularly a problem for high-frequency electronic devices.

Consequently, it is an important subject to provide a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device that can increase the contact area between the thermal-dissipating fins and air within a limited space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the invention is to provide a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device that can increase the contact area between the thermal-dissipating fins and air for enhancing the thermal-dissipating efficiency.

To achieve the above, the invention discloses a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device has a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets, and each thermal-dissipating sheet includes a connecting portion, at least one thermal-dissipating fin and a plurality of sub-thermal-dissipating fins. The connecting portions of the thermal-dissipating sheets connect with each other. The thermal-dissipating fin is extended outwardly from the connecting portion, and the thickness of the connecting portion is greater than that of the thermal-dissipating fin. The sub-thermal-dissipating fins are extended outwardly from at least one side of the thermal-dissipating fin.

To achieve the above, the invention also discloses a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device has a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets, and each thermal-dissipating sheet includes a connecting portion, at least one thermal-dissipating fin and a plurality of sub-thermal-dissipating fins. The connecting portions of the thermal-dissipating sheets connect with each other. The thermal-dissipating fin is extended outwardly from the connecting portion, and the thickness of the connecting portion is greater than that of the thermal-dissipating fin. The sub-thermal-dissipating fins are extended outwardly from at least one side of the thermal-dissipating fin, and touch against the adjacent thermal-dissipating fins or sub-thermal-dissipating fins so that the thermal-dissipating fins expand outwardly from each other.

As mentioned above, the sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of the invention has several sub-thermal-dissipating fins extended outwardly from the thermal-dissipating fins. In comparison with the related art, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins of the invention can increase the contact area between the thermal-dissipating fin and air, thereby enhancing the thermal-dissipating efficiency. Moreover, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins in the invention touch against adjacent thermal-dissipating fins or sub-thermal-dissipating fins, so that the thermal-dissipating fins can expand outwardly from each other. This configuration allows more airflow through the sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device to remove heat, further enhancing the thermal-dissipating efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are given for illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic views of a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1C is a schematic view of a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a schematic view of a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic view of a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device according to an eighth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same references relate to the same elements.

First Embodiment Unexpanded on Single Side, Same Sheet, Crossing Sub-Thermal-Dissipating Fin

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention has a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets 21, which connect with each other. Each thermal-dissipating sheet 21 has a connecting portion 211, a thermal-dissipating fin 212 and several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 213. The thermal-dissipating fin 212 is extended outwardly from the connecting portion 211. The thickness of the connecting portion 211 is greater than that of the thermal-dissipating fin 212. The connecting portion 211 becomes thicker from both sides of the corresponding thermal-dissipating fin 212. The sub-thermal-dissipating fins 213 are extended outwardly from at least one side of the thermal-dissipating fin 212. In this embodiment, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 213 are disposed vertically and outwardly on opposite sides of the thermal-dissipating fin 212. In addition, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 213 are disposed asymmetrically so that the adjacent sub-thermal-dissipating fins 213 are alternatively disposed. Of course, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 213 can be disposed on the thermal-dissipating fin 212 in other ways. For example, they can be disposed non-vertically or symmetrically and disposed outwardly from both sides of the thermal-dissipating fin 212. It should be noted that the cross-sectional lines in FIGS. 1A and 1B are merely used to distinguish adjacent thermal-dissipating sheets 21, and are not used to restrict the scope of the invention.

In this embodiment, each thermal-dissipating sheet 21 is integrally formed. The connecting portions 211 of the thermal-dissipating sheets 21 are connected by screw fastening so as to form the sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device 2. In particular, the connecting portions 211 of the thermal-dissipating sheets 21 are connected side by side. Alternatively, the thermal-dissipating sheets 21 can also be connected using rivets.

Moreover, the thermal-dissipating sheets 21 can be completely the same or not the same. This embodiment does not restrict the shapes and sizes of the connecting portions 211, the thermal-dissipating fins 212 and the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 213. For example, the shapes and sizes of adjacent thermal-dissipating sheets 21 can be the same or different. The shapes or sizes of the thermal-dissipating fins 212 of adjacent thermal-dissipating sheets 21 can be the same or different as well. The technical importance of the embodiment is in that: the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 213 are extended from the thermal-dissipating fin 212 to increase the contact area between the sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device 2 and air, thereby enhancing the thermal-dissipating efficiency.

Second Embodiment Unexpanded on Double Sides, Same Sheet, Crossing Sub-Thermal-Dissipating Fins

As shown in FIG. 1C, a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device 3 according to the second embodiment of the invention has a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets 31, which connect with each other. Each thermal-dissipating sheet 31 includes a connecting portion 311, a thermal-dissipating fin 312, several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 313, a thermal-dissipating fin 314, and several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 315. The thermal-dissipating fins 312 and 314 are extended outwardly from different sides of the connecting portion 311. The thickness of the connecting portion 311 is greater than that of the thermal-dissipating fins 312 and 314. Moreover, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 313 and 315 are disposed vertically and asymmetrically on opposite sides of the thermal-dissipating fins 312 and 314. Having the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 313 and 315 and the thermal-dissipating fins 312 and 314 on both sides can further enhance the thermal-dissipating efficiency. It should be noted that the cross-sectional line in FIG. 1C is merely used to distinguish adjacent thermal-dissipating sheets 31, and are not used to restrict the scope of the invention.

Third Embodiment Expanded on Single Side, Same Sheet, Crossing Sub-Thermal-Dissipating Fins

As shown in FIG. 2A, a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device 4 according to the third embodiment of the invention has a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets 41, which connect with each other. Each thermal-dissipating sheet 41 includes a connecting portion 411, a thermal-dissipating fin 412, and several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 413. The thermal-dissipating fin 412 is extended outwardly from the connecting portion 411, so that the thermal-dissipating fins 412 of the thermal-dissipating sheets 41 expand outwardly. The thickness of the connecting portion 411 is greater than that of the thermal-dissipating fin 412. The connecting portion 411 becomes thicker on one side of the corresponding thermal-dissipating fin 412. The sub-thermal-dissipating fins 413 are extended outwardly from at least one side of the thermal-dissipating fin 412. In this embodiment, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 413 are disposed vertically and outwardly in an asymmetric way on opposite sides of the thermal-dissipating fin 412. Therefore, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 413 of one thermal-dissipating fin 412 and those of the adjacent thermal-dissipating fin 412 are alternately disposed.

In this embodiment, there are several ways to expand the thermal-dissipating sheets 41. For example, the thermal-dissipating sheets 41 can be expanded using an expanding apparatus. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2A, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 413 touches against the adjacent thermal-dissipating fin 412 during the assembly, so that the thermal-dissipating fins 412 expand outwardly.

Fourth Embodiment Expanded on Double Sides, Same Sheet, Crossing Sub-Thermal-Dissipating Fins

As shown in FIG. 2B, a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device 5 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention has a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets 51, which connect with each other. Each thermal-dissipating sheet 51 includes a connecting portion 511, a thermal-dissipating fin 512, several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 513, a thermal-dissipating fin 514, and several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 515. The thermal-dissipating fins 512 and 514 are extended outwardly from different sides of the connecting portion 511. Moreover, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 513 and 515 are disposed vertically and asymmetrically on opposite sides of the thermal-dissipating fins 512 and 514. Having the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 513 and 515 and the thermal-dissipating fins 512 and 514 on both sides can further enhance the thermal-dissipating efficiency.

Fifth Embodiment Expanded on Double Sides (of Different Sizes), Same Sheet, Crossing Sub-Thermal-Dissipating Fins

As shown in FIG. 3, a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device 6 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention has a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets 61, which connect with each other. Each thermal-dissipating sheet 61 includes a connecting portion 611, a thermal-dissipating fin 612, several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 613, a thermal-dissipating fin 614, and several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 615. The thermal-dissipating fin 614 is smaller than the thermal-dissipating fin 612. In addition, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 613 and 615 are disposed vertically and asymmetrically on opposite sides of the thermal-dissipating fins 612 and 614. Having the thermal-dissipating fins 612 and 614 and the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 613 and 615 on both sides helps enhancing the thermal-dissipating efficiency.

Sixth Embodiment Expanded on Three Sides, Same Sheet, Crossing Sub-Thermal-Dissipating Fins

As shown in FIG. 4, a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device 7 according to the sixth embodiment of the invention has a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets 71, which connect with each other. Each thermal-dissipating sheet 71 includes a connecting portion 711, a thermal-dissipating fin 712, a thermal-dissipating fin 714, several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 713, several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 715, and a thermal-dissipating portion 716. The thermal-dissipating fins 712 and 714 and the thermal-dissipating portion 716 are extended outwardly from different sides of the connecting portion 711. In this embodiment, they are extended outwardly to the left, right and top of the connecting portion 711. In addition, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 713 and 715 are disposed vertically and asymmetrically on opposite sides of the thermal-dissipating fins 712 and 714. Having the thermal-dissipating fins 712 and 714, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 713 and 715, and the thermal-dissipating portion 716 disposed along three directions can further enhance the thermal-dissipating efficiency.

Seventh Embodiment Expanded on Double Sides, Same Sheet, Non-Crossing Sub-Thermal-Dissipating Fins

As shown in FIG. 5, a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device 8 according to the seventh embodiment of the invention has a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets 81, which connect with each other. Each thermal-dissipating sheet 81 includes a connecting portion 811, a thermal-dissipating fin 812, several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 813, a thermal-dissipating fin 814, and several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 815. The thermal-dissipating fins 812 and 814 are extended outwardly from opposite sides of the connecting portion 811. In addition, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 813 and 815 are disposed symmetrically and vertically on opposite sides of the thermal-dissipating fins 812 and 814. During the assembly, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 813 and 815 touches against the adjacent sub-thermal-dissipating fins 813 and 815, so that the thermal-dissipating fins 811 can expand outwardly. Having the thermal-dissipating fins 812 and 814 and the sub-thermal-dissipating fins 813 and 815 on both sides further enhances the thermal-dissipating efficiency.

Eighth Embodiment Expanded on Double Sides, Same Sheet, Crossing Sub-Thermal-Dissipating Fins, Bulging on Outer Side of Thermal-Dissipating Fins

As shown in FIG. 6, a sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device 9 according to the eighth embodiment of the invention has a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets 91, which connect with each other. Each thermal-dissipating sheet 91 includes a connecting portion 911, a thermal-dissipating fin 912, several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 913, a thermal-dissipating fin 914, and several sub-thermal-dissipating fins 915. The thermal-dissipating fins 912 and 914 are extended and bulging outwardly from different sides of the connecting portion 911. The height on the outer side of the thermal-dissipating fins 912 and 914 away from the connecting portion 911 is larger than that on the inner side near the connecting portion 911.

In summary, the sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of the invention has several sub-thermal-dissipating fins extended outwardly from the thermal-dissipating fins. In comparison with the related art, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins of the invention can increase the contact area between the thermal-dissipating fin and air, thereby enhancing the thermal-dissipating efficiency. Moreover, the sub-thermal-dissipating fins in the invention touch against adjacent thermal-dissipating fins or sub-thermal-dissipating fins, so that the thermal-dissipating fins can expand outwardly from each other. This configuration allows more airflow through the sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device to remove heat, further enhancing the thermal-dissipating efficiency.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover all modifications that fall within the true scope of the invention. 

1. A sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device having a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets, each of the thermal-dissipating sheets comprising: a connecting portion, wherein the connecting portions of the thermal-dissipating sheets connect with each other; at least one thermal-dissipating fin, which is extended outwardly from the connecting portion, wherein a thickness of the connecting portion is greater than a thickness of the thermal-dissipating fin; and a plurality of sub-thermal-dissipating fins, which are extended outwardly from at least one side of the thermal-dissipating fin.
 2. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 1, wherein a length of the sub-thermal-dissipating fins is larger than, equal to, or smaller than the distance between adjacent two of the thermal-dissipating fins.
 3. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 2, wherein the thermal-dissipating fins expand outwardly from each other when the length of the sub-thermal-dissipating fins is larger than the distance between adjacent two of the thermal-dissipating fins.
 4. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 1, wherein when each of the thermal-dissipating sheets has a plurality of thermal-dissipating fins, each of the thermal-dissipating fins is extended outwardly from opposite sides of the connecting portion.
 5. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 4, wherein the shapes or sizes of the thermal-dissipating fins are the same or different.
 6. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 1, wherein the sub-thermal-dissipating fins are disposed symmetrically or asymmetrically on opposite sides of the thermal-dissipating fin.
 7. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 1, wherein the sub-thermal-dissipating fins are disposed vertically or non-vertically on opposite sides of the thermal-dissipating fin.
 8. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 1, wherein each of the thermal-dissipating sheets further comprises at least one thermal-dissipating portion extended outwardly from the connecting portion.
 9. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 8, wherein the thermal-dissipating portions expand outwardly from each other.
 10. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 1, wherein the shapes or sizes of adjacent two of the thermal-dissipating sheets are the same or different.
 11. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 1, wherein the sub-thermal-dissipating fins and the adjacent sub-thermal-dissipating fins are disposed alternately.
 12. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 1, wherein the sub-thermal-dissipating fins touch against the adjacent sub-thermal-dissipating fins so that the thermal-dissipating fins expand outwardly from each other.
 13. A sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device having a plurality of thermal-dissipating sheets, each of the thermal-dissipating sheets comprising: a connecting portion, wherein the connecting portions of the thermal-dissipating sheets connect with each other; at least one thermal-dissipating fin, which is extended outwardly from the connecting portion, wherein a thickness of the connecting portion is greater than a thickness of the thermal-dissipating fin; and a plurality of sub-thermal-dissipating fins, which are extended outwardly from at least one side of the thermal-dissipating fin, wherein the sub-thermal-dissipating fins touch against the adjacent thermal-dissipating fins or sub-thermal-dissipating fins so that the thermal-dissipating fins expand outwardly from each other.
 14. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 13, wherein when each of the thermal-dissipating sheets has a plurality of thermal-dissipating fins, each of the thermal-dissipating fins is extended outwardly from opposite sides of the connecting portion.
 15. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 13, wherein the sub-thermal-dissipating fins are disposed symmetrically or asymmetrically on opposite sides of the thermal-dissipating fin.
 16. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 13, wherein the sub-thermal-dissipating fins are disposed vertically or non-vertically on opposite sides of the thermal-dissipating fin.
 17. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 13, wherein each of the thermal-dissipating sheets further comprises at least one thermal-dissipating portion extended outwardly from the connecting portion.
 18. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 17, wherein the thermal-dissipating portions expand outwardly from each other.
 19. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 13, wherein the shapes or sizes of adjacent two of the thermal-dissipating sheets are the same or different.
 20. The sheet-combined thermal-dissipating device of claim 13, wherein the sub-thermal-dissipating fins and the adjacent sub-thermal-dissipating fins are disposed alternately. 